Subj : ARRL and Momobeam Introduce Dual-band Beam Antenna for 6- and 10-Meters
To   : QST
From : ARRL de WD1CKS
Date : Fri Jun 28 2024 07:16 pm

06/28/2024

ARRL� The National Association for Amateur Radio[1]� has a new product to help
radio amateurs get active and on the air.

As Solar Cycle 25 continues to increase HF radio propagation on the upper
bands, ARRL has partnered with the Italian antenna manufacturer Momobeam to
design a dualband beam antenna to help take full advantage of the exciting
opportunities for distant contacts. The ARRL Dual-band Momobeam[2] 6/10 Antenna
is an easy-to-use antenna with a small footprint and a big reach. The beam
features a 10 meter Moxon (28 MHz) and 6 meter Yagi (50 MHz).

At just over 10 pounds and with a turning radius of approximately 6.5 feet, the
design is compact enough to fit places that otherwise wouldn't have space for a
beam antenna. It comes with two sets of hardware for both permanent
installation and portable use for temporary deployments such as 2024 ARRL Field
Day or park activations.

The ARRL Dual-band Momobeam 6/10 Antenna is ideal for Technician-class
operators to be able to work DX. "This is a great 'first' beam antenna for
every ham," said ARRL Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen,
NQ1R. "If you've ever been intimidated by the prospect of owning a beam
antenna, this one will allay your fears and give you a whole lot of fun. Radio
clubs will want to add this beam to their deployment gear, as it's a great fit
for field operating and special event stations. College radio clubs that don't
have room for a large beam, or another beam, will enjoy adding this antenna for
some gain on 6- and 10-meters. It is lightweight and can be turned with a
simple TV rotator."

The 10-meter Moxon is an effective design for this dual-band antenna, as it's
around 30% smaller than a traditional Yagi and uses no traps or other
shortening techniques that reduce performance. A Moxon antenna includes a
number of antenna configurations that were referred to by Les Moxon, G6XN (SK),
and have received attention over the years in QST and editions of The ARRL
Antenna Book.

The feed system uses an open sleeve feed method, coupling the driven element of
the 50 MHz section by proximity and length to the 10-meter driven element with
minimal loss. "Just attach a single coaxial cable to included SO-239 equipped
coaxial pigtail, and you're ready to go on two bands!" said Inderbitzen.

The antenna debuted at the 2024 ARRL National Convention hosted at Dayton
Hamvention� in May. The first run sold out at the show, but ARRL has taken
delivery of more units, available now.

"It's surprising how few amateurs have experience with antennas beyond basic
wire designs," said Inderbitzen. "Our interest in introducing this antenna is
to increase the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience among our
members." Inderbitzen added that members should watch for more content,
including video tutorials, coming from ARRL about the antenna. More information
about the antenna can be found at www.arrl.org/beam[3] where future content
will also be published.

While this antenna was produced exclusively for ARRL, Momobeam offers many of
its popular antenna designs in the US through its partnership with Ham Radio
Outlet[4].

The ARRL Dual-band Momobeam 6/10 Antenna is available from the ARRL Store at
www.arrl.org/shop[5] (ARRL Item No. 0084, $299.95 retail plus shipping,
handling, and sales tax where applicable. Available to ship in the US, only.
Call 860-594-0355 or, toll-free in the US, 888-277-5289).


[1] http://www.arrl.org/
[2] https://momobeam.com/
[3] http://www.arrl.org/beam
[4] https://www.hamradio.com/
[5] https://home.arrl.org/action/Store/Product-Details/productId/2018039112

---
� Synchronet � Whiskey Lover's Amateur Radio BBS